Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in dogs and cats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Toxoplasma gondii is the most prevalent parasite that mostly affects warm-blooded animals, including humans. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), this parasite infects about one-third of the world's population of people. Lack of information regarding toxoplasmosis in the population of domestic and stray dogs and cats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was a major factor in the decision to conduct this study. Our aim was to use serological technique to establish the seroprevalence of T. gondii in dogs and cats. In this study, 405 dogs and 405 cats, blood samples were collected from various veterinary hospitals and privates pet clinics and an ELISA test was used to determine anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. Information on four risk factors age, sex, deworming of dogs and cats and, area was collected from the owners by questionnaire. Total seroprevalence in dogs, and cats was 45.18% (183/405), and 51.60% (209/405), respectively. No significant difference was documented on basis of age and gender between dogs, and cats. Dogs and cats from urban areas showed lower seroprevalence than rural areas. Dogs that had received deworming showed lower seroprevalence. This research indicates that neglected parasite Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent in dogs and cats in Pakistan, which may have great public health importance.

Automated summary

This study investigated the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in dogs and cats in Pakistan and found a high prevalence of the parasite, indicating its potential public health importance.